MSC Cruise Lines does care about customer service because they have listened to the past passengers from the posts on the message boards and have started to make changes. MSC Cruise Lines sent me an e-mail with just some of the many changes that they are making on board the Lirica. The Internet is a great tool because the changes they are making would have taken months instead of weeks with out the internet and the message boards. I'm glad I had faith in Steve and Lucy, MSC is lucky to have good people like them working for them. They were the ones that were passing along the messages and telling the home office to make the changes. I can't wait to see the many other changes that MSC Cruise Lines will be making aboard the Lirica. Thank you to all the past passengers because of you my May 15th cruise will be a wonderful cruise. Now here are the changes.

It was agreed that Soft-Serve ice cream in two flavours and Italian ice-cream of two flavours be provided to guests free of charge between the hours of 1500 and 1700 every day. The soft-serve ice-cream (or frozen yoghurt) is to be served in cones and the Italian Ice-cream in paper (or plastic) cups with spatula. The Soft-serve ice-cream is to be offered with various toppings and decorations.

24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE:

It was agreed that with the exception of cappuccino, expresso and bar items, all elements on the new modified Room Service menu be provided to guests without charge. Logistical changes may be necessary during the introductory period.

PIZZERIA OPENING HOURS EXTENDED - MENU MODIFIED

It was agreed that the Pizzeria is to remain open until 1600 each day, and that the pizza menu is to include the following as well as current pizzas offered:

§ Plain Cheese

§ Pepperoni

§ Vegetable pizza (with sliced mushrooms, green peppers, onions etc)

24-HOUR AMERICAN COFFEE

It was agreed that American coffee, milk and sugar are to be provided on a self-serve basis at the outdoor beverage station (apart from buffet breakfast hours when this is provided on an assisted-service basis).

WATER, ICED TEA AND COFFEE DURING DINNER

It was agreed that Iced Water, Iced Tea and American Coffee be provided in the restaurants at any time during the service. Because of space limitations, it is left to the ship to work out the logistics of balancing good service and practicality.

Iced water should be poured as guests are seated, and a carafe of iced tea would be best offered after the table is seated (not left on the table before guests arrive). American Coffee may be requested at any time during the meal. (Tea, coffee and milk)

ICED TEA AND ICED WATER AT LUNCH BUFFET

It was agreed that the above be provided. Iced water is already available 24-hours. Ice tea (sugarless) is available on a self-serve basis.

GYMNASIUM OPENING HOURS

It was agreed that the gymnasium hours be amended to the earlier time of 0600 to 1200 and from 1400 to 1800.

FILTERED DECAFFEINATED COFFEE TO REPLACE INSTANT DECAFFEINATED COFFEE

This request is approved in principal, pending the purchase of appropriate dispensing equipment, and locating an acceptable position for this equipment.

SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS FOR BUFFET TABLES

A request to provide salt and pepper shakers for the buffet tables was declined. It was decided that because of hygiene reasons, the existing single-serve salt and pepper is acceptable and more appropriate.

IMPROVE MENUS GENERALLY

It was agreed that the current menus require considerable attention and improvement in terms of presentation and accuracy with the following changes:

§ Layout to be improved and standardized

§ All dishes are to be described first in Italian, with the sub-heading in the language of the guests.

§ Accurate gastronomic translations are to be provided in all languages, including English.

§ Menus are to be considered as a 'take-home' souvenir of the cruise by guests

§ Mixed drinks and their prices are to be advertised prominently in the menus as well as daily wine suggestions.

BUTTER TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS

It was agreed that butter (unsalted, salted and margarine) are to be presented at all meals in the restaurant

FREE CAPPUCCINO & EXPRESSO IN RESTAURANT

The request to provide free cappuccino and expresso in the Restaurant was declined, on the basis that this is a bar-generated item.

REAL AMERICAN ORANGE JUICE AT BUFFETS

It was agreed that the juices offered at the buffet were to be improved.

IMPROVEMENT TO SELECTION AND VARIETY OF BREADS, SALADS & DESSERTS

It was agreed that the variety of bread should increase to display the Italian identity of the ship, requiring grissini to be presented at all dinners, white and brown rolls and bread, and rye bread to be baked at least twice per day. Salads and desserts are to be provided.

BASKET OF BREAD AT EACH DINNER TABLE

The request to provide a basket of bread at each dinner table be declined based on space.

OMELETTE STATION AT BUFFET

It was agreed that omelettes be included at the Breakfast Buffet, with preparation from an Omelette menu at the Grill.

MORE ASSISTANCE FOR OLDER GUESTS AT BUFFET

It was agreed that the MSC standard would always provide assistance for older or incapacited guests where it was obvious these persons required assistance.

MIXED DRINKS ON THE DINNER MENU

It was agreed that a selection of mixed drinks (1 non alcoholic and 2 alcoholic) be provided on every dinner menu, with prices also stated on the menu.

BROWN EGGS

It was agreed that brown eggs were unacceptable in the USA.

EGGS BENEDICT

It was agreed that Eggs Benedict would not have been offered.

MARTINI SERVICE

'jumbo martini' glasses were being embarked for use in three bars. These new martinis were to be promoted in the Daily Program.